Gregg Popovich on longer NBA schedule: No thanks

The notion of the NBA season extending into July would be a godsend for players looking for extra rest and eliminating the back-to-back games players have long complained about.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, however, is no fan of that idea.

“If there is a game in July, count me out,” Popovich told ESPN. “Count me out. Count me out. Life is too short.”

The extension of the season into mid-summer would eliminate the between 16 and 20 back-to-back games that every NBA team typically has to deal with. Less physical stress could mean less injuries, and would not discount the usual number of games.

“I think the season is long enough,” Popovich said. “I will not come to work in July.”

Popovich’s reaction is a stark contrast to that of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

“I’ve been bringing it up for years,” Cuban told ESPN. “(Commissioner Adam Silver is) more open to it, and he’s going to be considering it. Everybody’s for it now.”